BOOKS THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE TO LEANZA MAYO

12/17/13

Throughout life I’ve read many different books. This includes; fiction, nonfiction, romantic, autobiographies, etc. I usually always finish a book once I start it unless it’s completely unbearable. Although I tend to usually finish books, I don’t normally feel attached to the books. Not many books really catch my attention or make a difference to me. Personally, it’s difficult to find books that I simply cannot put down once I’ve picked them up. Over the years, that has remained the same. Therefore, the ones that have made a difference to me are really quite special.

THE GIVING TREE BY SHEL SILVERSTEIN

Rereading it at the age I am now makes it sort of bittersweet thinking of my dad and how I hardly can ever see him but whenever I do, he always shows that his love is unconditional. As I grow older into adulthood I think I will relate to the book even more. The book will always have a place in my heart, and without a doubt it will be in my children’s bookcases.

I read this book when I was young all the time. I always loved the color on the outside and how it was black and white on the inside so you really focused on the words and the simplicity of the pictures. I don’t know why, but the giving tree’s illustrations have always been my favorite out of all the children’s books I’ve read.

Recently I reread the book again after many years. I saw it in a different way than when I was younger, and my appreciation for the book grew stronger. As I grew up I started to relate to all the references the book makes. The book has a simple way of showing what unconditional love really is. No matter what the boy took from the tree, and how long it had been since the boy visited the tree last, the tree always had something to offer the boy.

THE HUNGER GAMES SERIES BY SUZANNE COLLINS

These books didn’t change my way of thinking or make me think deeper. The special things about these books were that they really captivated my attention. These books mix the perfect amount of adventure, romantic love, family love, and a futuristic twist. It’s very difficult for me to stay interested in a book. On average it takes me a month or so to finish a book on my own. This trilogy took me less than a week to read. That’s such a drastic difference between one book taking a month, and reading three in less than a week. I can always reread these books and never get exhausted of them. This is by far my favorite series and it fascinates both genders. It pleases all and that’s why I would definitely recommend it to everyone.

THE GLASS CASTLE BY JEANNETTE WALLS

Out of all the books, I would have to say this one is probably my favorite. The funny part about this is I was assigned to read this book over summer before 10th grade. I almost blew it off, and was going to wing the test come the first week of school. I don’t know why, I guess one day I was bored and just decided I would read it before the year started. It’s ironic because I reread the book a second time before the school year even started again. This story is based off of the main character, who is the narrator. It’s actually Jeannette Walls, it’s her life story. It shows the growth of her from her young self with her family, and how they all grew as they got older until adulthood. This book really touched me because she had a really hard life. The beginning of her life she wasn’t ever in school and her parents always had her and her siblings moving. They even lived in the desert for a portion of her life. It’s very sad learning everything she had to go through. It’s also amazing to see what became of her as she grew, despite all of the hardships of her life; she became a strong and successful woman. Unfortunately, it was not the same for all of her siblings. I love this book; I can’t wait to read it again. Whenever life starts to knock me down I reread it. This book taught me that no matter what life throws at you, fair or unfair, fortunate or unfortunate, right or wrong, no matter what other people do to you, you can succeed, and you can survive.